Local

607 New Cases of Confirmed COVID-19 in Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed 48 new deaths and 607 new cases of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Thirty-seven people who died were over the age of 65 and nine people who died were between the ages of 41 to 65 years old. Thirty-eight people had underlying health conditions including 30 people over the age of 65 and eight people between the ages of 41 to 65 years old. Two deaths were reported by the City of Long Beach.

To date, Public Health has identified 19,107 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of LA County, and a total of 895 deaths. Ninety-two percent of people who died had underlying health conditions. Of those who died, information about race and ethnicity is available for 820 people (97 percent of the cases); 37% of deaths occurred among Latinx residents, 28% among White residents, 18% among Asian residents, 14% among African American residents, 1% among Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander residents and 1% among residents identifying with other races. Upon further investigation, 17 cases and one death reported earlier were not LA County residents. As of today, 4,319 people who tested positive for COVID-19 (23% of positive cases) have been hospitalized at some point during their illness. Testing capacity continues to increase in LA County, with testing results available for almost 114,000 individuals and 15% of people testing positive.

Public Health reminds everyone to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness, especially older adults, young children, outdoor workers, athletes, and people with a chronic medical condition who are especially sensitive to negative health impacts from extreme heat. Public Health offers the following recommendations during high temperature days:

• Drink plenty of water and keep hydrated throughout the day.
• If you must go out, plan your day to avoid going out during the hottest hours, and wear sunscreen. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothes, and bring a hat or umbrella with you.
• Cars get very hot. Never leave children or pets in cars and call 911 if you see a child or pet in a car alone.
• Beware of heat-related illness, like heat stroke and call 911 if you see these symptoms: high body temperature, vomiting, and pale and clammy skin.
• Check on those at risk, like those who are sick, older adults, pregnant women, and children.
• Avoid strenuous work outs wearing face coverings or masks not intended for athletic purposes; this means avoiding contact with others while you work out.

Emergency Cooling Centers are open from noon – 6:00 p.m. today for those in need. The centers are safe, free of charge and visitors must wear a face covering at all times and practice physical distancing. To find a location near you, visit http://ready.lacounty.gov/heat or call 211.

“For those who are grieving loved ones lost to COVID-19, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers every day,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “With this weekend’s high temperatures, I encourage everyone to take steps to stay cool while still practicing physical distancing and adhering to Safer at Home directives. This past week in LA County, we doubled the number of deaths from COVID-19 and diagnosed more than 7000 new cases.  Because we are still seeing a significant increase in new cases and deaths, we ask that you continue to stay home as much as possible.  Enjoy the outdoors safely by taking walks by yourself or with your household members near your home and always remaining at least 6 feet apart from others. Public pools and all beaches remain closed for your wellbeing and the health of those most vulnerable for serious illness and death from COVID-19. Continue to do your part and save lives.  This is how we get to the other side of the outbreak and begin our recovery. “

A new Health Officer Order issued yesterday for all licensed congregate healthcare facilities includes measures intended to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 in these facilities and to protect vulnerable residents, as well as staff.  The measures include restricting all visitors, suspending all communal dining and activities to ensure physical distancing, and testing for all employees and residents. Staff will be required to wear surgical masks at all times and personal protective equipment when appropriate. Residents will also need to wear surgical masks or cloth face coverings when they are outside of their personal room.

Public Health reminds everyone that if you are ill, even with mild symptoms, please self- isolate at home for 7 days and until you are fever and symptom free for 72 hours. If you have been in close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 or is presumed to be infected with COVID-19, you must quarantine for 14 days from your last contact with that individual. Individuals who are elderly or who have underlying health conditions may be at higher risk of serious illness and should contact their doctor as soon as they are sick. The best protection against COVID-19 is to wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, self-isolate if you are sick, practice physical distancing (especially by staying at home) and wear a clean face covering when in contact with others from outside your household. 

Additional things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your community are on the Public Health website, www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

Please see additional information below:

Total Cases*
Laboratory Confirmed Cases	19107
— Los Angeles County (excl. LB and Pas)	18268
— Long Beach	540
— Pasadena	299
Deaths	895
— Los Angeles County (excl. LB and Pas)	837
— Long Beach	29
— Pasadena	29
Age Group (Los Angeles County Cases Only-excl LB and Pas)
–  0 to 17	378
–  18 to 40	5914
–  41 to 65	7878
–  over 65	4036
–  Under Investigation	62
Gender (Los Angeles County Cases Only-excl LB and Pas)
–  Female	9083
–  Male	9008
–  Other	5
–  Under Investigation	172
Race/Ethnicity (Los Angeles County Cases Only-excl LB and Pas)
–  American Indian/Alaska Native	12
–  Asian	1194
–  Black	869
–  Hispanic/Latino	4828
–  Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander	160
–  White	2479
–  Other	878
–  Under Investigation	7848
Hospitalization (Los Angeles County Cases Only-excl LB and Pas)
–  Hospitalized (Ever)	4319
Deaths Race/Ethnicity (Los Angeles County Cases Only-excl LB and Pas)
–  American Indian/Alaska Native	1
–  Asian	149
–  Black	115
–  Hispanic/Latino	301
–  Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander	11
–  White	233
–  Other	10
–  Under Investigation	17
CITY / COMMUNITY**		Rate***
City of Agoura Hills	29	138.87
City of Alhambra	68	78.41
City of Arcadia	34	58.87
City of Artesia	13	77.4
City of Avalon	0	0
City of Azusa	48	95.92
City of Baldwin Park	70	91.18
City of Bell	116	319.28
City of Bell Gardens	82	190.38
City of Bellflower	104	133.79
City of Beverly Hills	103	298.38
City of Bradbury	1	93.55
City of Burbank	208	194.07
City of Calabasas	34	139.79
City of Carson	210	223.77
City of Cerritos	47	93.87
City of Claremont	22	60.3
City of Commerce	10	76.52
City of Compton	173	173.17
City of Covina	82	167.24
City of Cudahy	55	225.9
City of Culver City	56	140.47
City of Diamond Bar	33	57.38
City of Downey	182	159.28
City of Duarte	47	213.48
City of El Monte	120	102.33
City of El Segundo	27	160.85
City of Gardena	134	218.56
City of Glendale	469	227.13
City of Glendora	39	73.91
City of Hawaiian Gardens	9	61.32
City of Hawthorne	154	173.45
City of Hermosa Beach	23	116.93
City of Hidden Hills	0	0
City of Huntington Park	119	200.05
City of Industry	1	228.83
City of Inglewood	267	235.07
City of Irwindale	2	137.08
City of La Canada Flintridge	38	183.64
City of La Habra Heights	2	36.66
City of La Mirada	46	92.74
City of La Puente	33	81.09
City of La Verne	16	48.07
City of Lakewood	73	90.84
City of Lancaster	246	152.26
City of Lawndale	50	148.75
City of Lomita	32	154.37
City of Lynwood	155	215.14
City of Malibu	28	216.03
City of Manhattan Beach	64	177.78
City of Maywood	52	185.39
City of Monrovia	35	90.21
City of Montebello	109	169.32
City of Monterey Park	63	101.19
City of Norwalk	163	151.46
City of Palmdale	346	217.65
City of Palos Verdes Estates	37	273.63
City of Paramount	113	201.7
City of Pico Rivera	133	206.89
City of Pomona	131	84.01
City of Rancho Palos Verdes	51	119.31
City of Redondo Beach	98	142.66
City of Rolling Hills	1	51.55
City of Rolling Hills Estates	13	160.24
City of Rosemead	28	50.59
City of San Dimas	25	72.43
City of San Fernando	67	272.22
City of San Gabriel	27	65.93
City of San Marino	11	82.85
City of Santa Clarita	304	137.92
City of Santa Fe Springs	16	87.13
City of Santa Monica	149	161.18
City of Sierra Madre	5	45.5
City of Signal Hill	6	50.86
City of South El Monte	13	62.25
City of South Gate	209	212.93
City of South Pasadena	59	226.46
City of Temple City	45	123.44
City of Torrance	233	156.1
City of Vernon	0	0
City of Walnut	22	72.06
City of West Covina	104	96.09
City of West Hollywood	130	351.82
City of Westlake Village	6	71.77
City of Whittier	95	108.66
Los Angeles	8695	214.98
Los Angeles – Adams-Normandie	22	268.23
Los Angeles – Alsace	25	200.88
Los Angeles – Angeles National Forest	0	0
Los Angeles – Angelino Heights	6	239.81
Los Angeles – Arleta	76	221.12
Los Angeles – Atwater Village	21	143.19
Los Angeles – Baldwin Hills	50	160.64
Los Angeles – Bel Air	28	332.19
Los Angeles – Beverly Crest	31	247.5
Los Angeles – Beverlywood	30	227.74
Los Angeles – Boyle Heights	154	177.25
Los Angeles – Brentwood	63	203.52
Los Angeles – Brookside	0	0
Los Angeles – Cadillac-Corning	15	210.64
Los Angeles – Canoga Park	197	301.74
Los Angeles – Carthay	59	410.78
Los Angeles – Central	93	238.51
Los Angeles – Century City	30	234.52
Los Angeles – Century Palms/Cove	69	204.35
Los Angeles – Chatsworth	68	183.48
Los Angeles – Cheviot Hills	16	174.46
Los Angeles – Chinatown	8	99.74
Los Angeles – Cloverdale/Cochran	30	206.14
Los Angeles – Country Club Park	53	349.77
Los Angeles – Crenshaw District	44	318.17
Los Angeles – Crestview	59	519
Los Angeles – Del Rey	45	150.32
Los Angeles – Downtown	49	178.14
Los Angeles – Eagle Rock	76	191.97
Los Angeles – East Hollywood	105	358.52
Los Angeles – Echo Park	17	119.25
Los Angeles – El Sereno	78	186.57
Los Angeles – Elysian Park	9	157.56
Los Angeles – Elysian Valley	18	176.97
Los Angeles – Encino	76	168.25
Los Angeles – Exposition	2	60.13
Los Angeles – Exposition Park	105	233.76
Los Angeles – Faircrest Heights	2	55.56
Los Angeles – Figueroa Park Square	19	217.86
Los Angeles – Florence-Firestone	101	212.88
Los Angeles – Glassell Park	96	303.76
Los Angeles – Gramercy Place	24	222.97
Los Angeles – Granada Hills	100	171.85
Los Angeles – Green Meadows	49	227.85
Los Angeles – Hancock Park	60	352.13
Los Angeles – Harbor City	39	134.16
Los Angeles – Harbor Gateway	55	126.15
Los Angeles – Harbor Pines	0	0
Los Angeles – Harvard Heights	45	249.51
Los Angeles – Harvard Park	99	260.97
Los Angeles – Highland Park	69	142.59
Los Angeles – Historic Filipinotown	51	367.7
Los Angeles – Hollywood	176	257.86
Los Angeles – Hollywood Hills	56	190.26
Los Angeles – Hyde Park	47	164.68
Los Angeles – Jefferson Park	15	185.8
Los Angeles – Koreatown	114	220.53
Los Angeles – Lafayette Square	11	241.28
Los Angeles – Lake Balboa	61	144.53
Los Angeles – Lakeview Terrace	43	327.42
Los Angeles – Leimert Park	29	190.35
Los Angeles – Lincoln Heights	52	159.52
Los Angeles – Little Armenia	77	959.5
Los Angeles – Little Bangladesh	61	215.22
Los Angeles – Little Tokyo	5	159.59
Los Angeles – Longwood	12	278.81
Los Angeles – Los Feliz	31	143.47
Los Angeles – Manchester Square	11	128.87
Los Angeles – Mandeville Canyon	1	32.01
Los Angeles – Mar Vista	50	117.73
Los Angeles – Marina Peninsula	9	206.42
Los Angeles – Melrose	300	386.12
Los Angeles – Mid-city	35	232.87
Los Angeles – Miracle Mile	36	200.17
Los Angeles – Mission Hills	59	244.57
Los Angeles – Mt. Washington	33	136.67
Los Angeles – North Hills	120	194.88
Los Angeles – North Hollywood	274	180.95
Los Angeles – Northridge	131	187.69
Los Angeles – Pacific Palisades	36	169.09
Los Angeles – Pacoima	181	235.13
Los Angeles – Palisades Highlands	3	78
Los Angeles – Palms	93	211.96
Los Angeles – Panorama City	202	268.44
Los Angeles – Park La Brea	11	81
Los Angeles – Pico-Union	155	370.44
Los Angeles – Playa Del Rey	1	31.29
Los Angeles – Playa Vista	16	146.16
Los Angeles – Porter Ranch	48	134.88
Los Angeles – Rancho Park	11	167.68
Los Angeles – Regent Square	1	35.97
Los Angeles – Reseda	160	208.83
Los Angeles – Reseda Ranch	17	366.7
Los Angeles – Reynier Village	7	165.56
Los Angeles – San Pedro	143	183.24
Los Angeles – Shadow Hills	11	247.64
Los Angeles – Sherman Oaks	116	132.95
Los Angeles – Silverlake	104	235.92
Los Angeles – South Carthay	22	207.65
Los Angeles – South Park	94	247.62
Los Angeles – St Elmo Village	9	196.34
Los Angeles – Studio City	32	142.6
Los Angeles – Sun Valley	91	173.39
Los Angeles – Sunland	62	303.8
Los Angeles – Sycamore Square	0	0
Los Angeles – Sylmar	258	313.11
Los Angeles – Tarzana	69	223.47
Los Angeles – Temple-Beaudry	129	326.73
Los Angeles – Thai Town	12	122.34
Los Angeles – Toluca Lake	9	103.4
Los Angeles – Toluca Terrace	1	76.57
Los Angeles – Toluca Woods	3	161.46
Los Angeles – Tujunga	51	183.39
Los Angeles – University Hills	4	116.65
Los Angeles – University Park	64	233.1
Los Angeles – Valley Glen	74	246.54
Los Angeles – Valley Village	75	303.4
Los Angeles – Van Nuys	231	247.87
Los Angeles – Venice	42	123.95
Los Angeles – Vermont Knolls	47	273.26
Los Angeles – Vermont Square	34	444.04
Los Angeles – Vermont Vista	87	211.24
Los Angeles – Vernon Central	140	269.24
Los Angeles – Victoria Park	30	357.19
Los Angeles – View Heights	7	189.5
Los Angeles – Watts	76	178.09
Los Angeles – Wellington Square	9	183.11
Los Angeles – West Adams	94	340.21
Los Angeles – West Hills	45	110.99
Los Angeles – West Los Angeles	51	135.51
Los Angeles – West Vernon	158	294.53
Los Angeles – Westchester	58	112.4
Los Angeles – Westlake	204	343.69
Los Angeles – Westwood	43	79.47
Los Angeles – Wholesale District	59	163.3
Los Angeles – Wilmington	73	129.23
Los Angeles – Wilshire Center	90	179.39
Los Angeles – Winnetka	118	227.86
Los Angeles – Woodland Hills	102	149.88
Unincorporated – Acton	8	100.36
Unincorporated – Agua Dulce	1	24.05
Unincorporated – Altadena	59	135.26
Unincorporated – Anaverde	1	66.31
Unincorporated – Angeles National Forest	1	80.32
Unincorporated – Arcadia	4	50.12
Unincorporated – Athens-Westmont	83	195.56
Unincorporated – Athens Village	13	265.47
Unincorporated – Avocado Heights	12	177.12
Unincorporated – Azusa	14	87.92
Unincorporated – Bandini Islands	0	NA
Unincorporated – Bassett	25	168.73
Unincorporated – Bouquet Canyon	0	0
Unincorporated – Bradbury	0	0
Unincorporated – Canyon Country	21	271.74
Unincorporated – Castaic	18	66.2
Unincorporated – Cerritos	0	0
Unincorporated – Charter Oak	0	0
Unincorporated – Claremont	0	0
Unincorporated – Covina	19	112.97
Unincorporated – Covina (Charter Oak)	13	98.9
Unincorporated – Del Aire	6	136.58
Unincorporated – Del Rey	0	0
Unincorporated – Del Sur	3	124.22
Unincorporated – Desert View Highlands	2	80.22
Unincorporated – Duarte	6	135.5
Unincorporated – East Covina	0	0
Unincorporated – East La Mirada	7	132.28
Unincorporated – East Lancaster	0	0
Unincorporated – East Los Angeles	307	245.07
Unincorporated – East Pasadena	0	0
Unincorporated – East Rancho Dominguez	17	111.05
Unincorporated – East Whittier	4	75.39
Unincorporated – El Camino Village	6	68.25
Unincorporated – El Monte	0	0
Unincorporated – Elizabeth Lake	0	0
Unincorporated – Florence-Firestone	148	228.73
Unincorporated – Franklin Canyon	0	0
Unincorporated – Glendora	1	151.52
Unincorporated – Hacienda Heights	45	80.46
Unincorporated – Harbor Gateway	0	0
Unincorporated – Hawthorne	3	119.33
Unincorporated – Hi Vista	0	0
Unincorporated – Kagel/Lopez Canyons	1	70.82
Unincorporated – La Crescenta-Montrose	16	80.8
Unincorporated – La Habra Heights	0	0
Unincorporated – La Rambla	6	289.16
Unincorporated – La Verne	1	49.02
Unincorporated – Ladera Heights	15	212.13
Unincorporated – Lake Hughes	0	0
Unincorporated – Lake Los Angeles	15	115.44
Unincorporated – Lake Manor	2	121.73
Unincorporated – Lakewood	0	0
Unincorporated – Lennox	35	155.27
Unincorporated – Leona Valley	1	57.11
Unincorporated – Littlerock	4	99.48
Unincorporated – Littlerock/Juniper Hills	1	77.1
Unincorporated – Littlerock/Pearblossom	6	168.11
Unincorporated – Llano	1	114.03
Unincorporated – Lynwood	0	NA
Unincorporated – Marina del Rey	11	116.88
Unincorporated – Miracle Mile	0	0
Unincorporated – Monrovia	5	128.83
Unincorporated – Newhall	0	0
Unincorporated – North Lancaster	0	0
Unincorporated – North Whittier	6	71.77
Unincorporated – Northeast San Gabriel	13	54.09
Unincorporated – Palmdale	2	237.53
Unincorporated – Palos Verdes Peninsula	0	0
Unincorporated – Pearblossom/Llano	2	102.25
Unincorporated – Pellissier Village	0	0
Unincorporated – Placerita Canyon	0	0
Unincorporated – Pomona	0	0
Unincorporated – Quartz Hill	25	193.71
Unincorporated – Rancho Dominguez	10	375.8
Unincorporated – Roosevelt	0	0
Unincorporated – Rosewood	3	233.28
Unincorporated – Rosewood/East Gardena	0	0
Unincorporated – Rosewood/West Rancho Dominguez	5	148.77
Unincorporated – Rowland Heights	40	78.4
Unincorporated – San Clemente Island	0	0
Unincorporated – San Francisquito Canyon/Bouquet Canyon	0	0
Unincorporated – San Jose Hills	16	79.13
Unincorporated – San Pasqual	0	0
Unincorporated – Sand Canyon	0	0
Unincorporated – Santa Catalina Island	2	749.06
Unincorporated – Santa Monica Mountains	9	48.33
Unincorporated – Saugus	2	1290.32
Unincorporated – Saugus/Canyon Country	0	0
Unincorporated – South Antelope Valley	0	0
Unincorporated – South Edwards	0	NA
Unincorporated – South El Monte	1	55.71
Unincorporated – South San Gabriel	7	79.11
Unincorporated – South Whittier	57	96.25
Unincorporated – Southeast Antelope Valley	0	0
Unincorporated – Stevenson Ranch	16	76.31
Unincorporated – Sun Village	4	66.27
Unincorporated – Sunrise Village	1	77.16
Unincorporated – Twin Lakes/Oat Mountain	4	241.25
Unincorporated – Universal City	0	NA
Unincorporated – Val Verde	4	120.88
Unincorporated – Valencia	4	130.21
Unincorporated – Valinda	26	111.25
Unincorporated – View Park/Windsor Hills	22	189.08
Unincorporated – Walnut	0	NA
Unincorporated – Walnut Park	39	241.59
Unincorporated – West Antelope Valley	2	132.36
Unincorporated – West Carson	52	235.44
Unincorporated – West Chatsworth	0	0
Unincorporated – West LA	19	1995.8
Unincorporated – West Puente Valley	10	101.68
Unincorporated – West Rancho Dominguez	2	147.17
Unincorporated – West Whittier/Los Nietos	29	107.71
Unincorporated – Westfield/Academy Hills	0	0
Unincorporated – Westhills	0	0
Unincorporated – White Fence Farms	2	54.3
Unincorporated – Whittier	3	79.28
Unincorporated – Whittier Narrows	0	0
Unincorporated – Willowbrook	41	117.43
Unincorporated – Wiseburn	4	66.37
–  Under Investigation	1286

 *These numbers are subject to change based on further investigation. Seventeen previously reported cases and one death were not in Public Health’s jurisdiction.

**– means that case numbers are suppressed (between 1 and 4 cases in communities <25,000 people).

***Rate is crude and is per 100,000. This represents the number of cases per 100,000 people and allows for the proportional comparison of cities of different sizes.

Always check with trusted sources for the latest accurate information about novel coronavirus:

• Los Angeles County Department of Public Health: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/
• California Department of Public Health: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCOV2019.aspx
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

      Spanish https://espanol.cdc.gov/enes/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

• World Health Organization https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
• LA County residents can also call 2-1-1

The National Council on Aging (NCOA), a trusted national leader working to ensure that every person can age well, is warning that the financial hardships created by the COVID-19 pandemic will push between 1.4 and 2.1 million more older Americans into poverty, and older adults with the least wealth will be the hardest hit.

That is the sobering conclusion of a recently published NCOA and LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston issue brief that looks at historical data from the 2008 recession and applies those findings to today’s economic and public health crisis.

“Recent history shows us that older adults suffer significant declines in net wealth during large and unanticipated economic downturns,” said Dr. Susan Silberman, NCOA Senior Director, Research & Evaluation. “A case in point is the Great Recession that began with the collapse of financial markets in 2008. A common trend seen across those aged 60 and older, regardless of age group or retirement status, was a decrease in total net wealth and taking on greater debt during times of recession.”

The issue brief also found that retired older adults were better able to weather the financial storm thanks in part to retirement benefits and Medicare. These findings underscore the importance of a societal safety net for older adults during times of economic upheaval.

Although the analysis focused on the potential financial risks to older adults during an impending recession, COVID-19 adds a health component that will likely have devastating consequences for this age demographic on top of any economic impacts.

“We know that health vulnerability and financial vulnerability overlap, which makes it crucial to consider how both of these factors will intersect for our nation’s older adults,” Silberman said. “Taking into account both the economic effects of a recession and the heightened health risk to our older citizens will be vital for navigating the impact of COVID-19 during this time of uncertainty.”

The full issue brief, Economic Insecurity for Older Adults in the Presence of the COVID-19 Pandemic, is available for download.

Receive inexpensive internet connection

You can receive internet connection for as low as $10. This is not an advertisement, it’s a public service announcement.Local Inland Empire non-profits are working with the California Public Utilities Commission to connect residents to high-speed, inexpensive internet through the California Emerging Technology Fund during the COVID-19 pandemic.

You may even be eligible for a complimentary Chromebook if you are in a Frontier serviceable area!

To qualify and get high-speed internet provided by Spectrum, Human-I-T, AT&T, Frontier or Comcast, call one of the authorized organizations below:

Ch.I.C.C.C.A.A.A
Call/Text: (909) 406-9372 or (909) 454-7129
Email: access4IE@gmail.com

SBX: Youth & Family Services
Text “Connect” to (951) 406-4466
Or go to www.sbxinc.org/low-cost-internet to see if you qualify.

Great Harvest Community Center
Call: (909) 352-9060
Email: Greg Walker gregory.walker@laverne.edu

For more information and resources, please call my district office at (909) 381-3238.

CNBC—- Another 4.3 million workers are expected to have filed state unemployment claims last week, bringing the total number seeking benefits to over 26 million since states started shutting down in the second half of March to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

The number of jobs lost rose to 22.025 million over the prior four weeks, erasing nearly all of the 22.442 million jobs recovered since the Great Recession. During the financial crisis the number of jobs lost totaled 8.7 million.

“The pace of losses is slowing, but the pain is compounding,” said Diane Swonk, chief economist at Grant Thornton.

Economists are closely watching Thursday claims data, expected at 8:30 a.m. ET, because it is for the week ending April 18, the same week the government conducted its survey for the monthly employment. Claims in the previous week  totaled 5.245 million, and it was the fourth week of claims filings in the multiple millions.

“It’s a critical week because it gives us the best real-time picture of what the job losses will be in April, which will be the worst month of the recession and the worst month ever,” Swonk said. Swonk said because of the government’s methodology and the furloughed status of some workers, the total number of nonfarm payrolls lost in April is not likely to be as high as the claims, but it will still be shockingly high.

Economists also say the unemployment rate could be 15% or more in April. Claims data has provided insight into what happened as the economy closed down, first with restaurant workers, retail employees and other service workers. The layoffs then also hit manufacturing and now they are expected to have broadened out even further. The filings of claims are also expected to have been delayed because of the sheer volume of the sudden layoffs overburdening state unemployment processors.

So far, Michigan and Pennsylvania appeared to be hardest hit, with more than 20% of workers filing claims.

Rhea Thomas, Wilmington Trust economist said the weekly claims report should also confirm that the filings probably peaked, when they surged to 6.615 million in the week ended April 4.

“I still think it could be in the millions next week, but I think the trend could be declining,” she said. “I still think some of the layoffs are still in the process of happening … It does feel like we’re going to have a couple of months of disruption.”

Thomas said the government’s Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses could encourage hiring as companies begin to get funds, and rehiring should pick in the next couple of weeks. 

On Wednesday, April 22, the Joint Center hosted an online briefing with Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Education and Labor Bobby Scott (D-VA) on education and workforce priorities for Black communities in future stimulus legislation. The conference explored the exacerbated disparities faced by Black communities and the need for a stimulus package that advances equity for Black workers, businesses, and student success.

The expert respondents included:

• The Education Trust President and CEO & Former Secretary of Education John King

• National Urban League Senior Vice President for Policy & Advocacy and Executive Director of the Washington Bureau Clint Odom

• National Education Association Vice President Becky Pringle

• National Black Worker Center Project Executive Director Tanya Wallace-Gobern

• Joint Center Vice President Jessica Fulton (moderator)

Read their summary of the briefing here.

Stay up-to-date on the Joint Center’s work on COVID-19 and Black communities here.

April 23, 2020 – Daily Update

This Daily Update (Monday through Friday) will share important news, information and resources related to how we are battling and getting through the coronavirus pandemic. We are here for you. #SBCountyTogether

Daily Stats

1,608 Confirmed Cases | 77 Deaths 4.8%

Fatality Rate | 14,885 Tested 

Drive-Through Testing Locations Weeks of April 20 and April 27, 2020

Monday through Friday – Arrowhead Regional Medical Center

400 N. Pepper Ave., Colton8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Appointment ONLY, call 1-855-422-8029 

Friday, April 24 – Ruben S. Ayala Park

14225 Central Ave., Chino10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

Appointment ONLY, all appointments filled 

Monday, April 27 – LoanMart Field (“Quakes Stadium”)

8408 Rochester Ave., Rancho Cucamonga10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Appointment ONLY, at

http://sbcovid19.com/community-drive-through-events/ 

Tuesday, April 28 — Arroyo Valley High School

1881 West Baseline St., San Bernardino10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Appointment ONLY, at

http://sbcovid19.com/community-drive-through-events/ 

Wednesday, April 29 – Citrus Valley High School

800 W. Pioneer Ave., Redlands10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Appointment ONLY, at

http://sbcovid19.com/community-drive-through-events/ 

Thursday, April 30 – Civic Center Park

14999 Dale Evans Pkwy., Apple Valley10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Appointment ONLY, at

http://sbcovid19.com/community-drive-through-events/ 

Friday, May 1 – Hesperia Civic Plaza Park

2800 Mayor Katy Pkwy., Hesperia

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Appointment ONLY, at

http://sbcovid19.com/community-drive-through-events/ 

County residents who are displaying any symptom of COVID-19 now or over the last two weeks can get tested at the drive-through events. Symptoms of COVID-19 include:  fever, cough or shortness of breath. Appointments can be made at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center by phone, and for other locations at http://sbcovid19.com/ (when the appointment window for each event opens). Events are free of charge and do not require health insurance. County Public Health is also conducting testing at select nursing facilities for at-risk seniors living at those facilities.

Important FAQs Regarding the Opening this weekend of County Parks and Recreation Areas

In accordance with a County Health Order signed today (view order here), starting on Saturday, April 25, the County of San Bernardino is opening County-operated parks and lakes and allowing the opening of city-owned and private parks, lakes, trails, and golf courses on a limited scale for passive recreation.  We recognize that a great part of our overall health depends on our ability to enjoy the outdoors, and our county has some of the greatest recreational opportunities in all of Southern California. The following Frequently Asked Questions address the re-opening, and are available on the County’ COVID-19 website. Further questions can be directed to individual facilities, or the County’s COVID helpline at (909) 387-3911. We will do our best to address other questions in future updates. 

What is opening?

All County owned parks, trails, and lakes will be open for passive recreation on a limited scale. The County is also allowing the opening of city and privately owned parks, trails, lakes and golf courses.  Please check with individual facilities regarding their plans to open. 

What is ‘passive recreation’?

Passive recreation means that our San Bernardino County residents can enjoy individual activities like wildlife observation, walking or hiking, biking, boating, and participating in non-contact sports like golf or tennis with members of their households. 

Who can use parks, trails, lakes, and golf courses in San Bernardino County?

Although San Bernardino County’s recreation areas are usually open to everyone, every American is being asked to respect the guidelines of individual states and municipalities. To meet the Stay at Home guidelines for the State of California, we are asking that residents stay within the boundaries of their residing counties to flatten the curve and prevent the spread of COVID-19.  In other words, at this time we are strongly discouraging out-of-county residents from visiting our outdoor recreation areas. 

What is the safety mandate for visiting these outdoor areas?

All facilities will adhere to the mandate of practicing social distancing and wearing face coverings. All facilities open to the public must add signage advising visitors that social distancing and face coverings are required. If you are planning to visit our outdoor spaces, understand that restrooms and many businesses in and near these sites will remain closed. Short-term rentals continue to be closed, and restaurants are only available for take-out. Facility operators assume responsibility and liability for operating under the County health order. 

What outdoor venues remain closed?

The following outdoor recreational facilities are mandated to remain closed:Outdoor amphitheatersPublic or community swimming beaches, pools, and spasCampgrounds or camp areasNote: Camping in open areas of the County, such as those managed by the U.S. Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management, is allowable only by individual campers and members of households. Group camping is not allowedAmusement parks or carnivalsOutdoor conference centers

ParksWhat activities are allowed?

HikingBikingRock climbingSkateboarding (where allowed)Tennis, pickleball and racquetball (where allowed, and only by those who share a household)Wildlife observationDog parksParking in parking lots for passive recreation activity

What facilities are not open?  What activities are not allowed?

The following remain closed due to state mandates related to public gatherings.PlaygroundsPicnic/BBQ areasCamping areasBasketball courts and baseball/softball/soccer fields for team activities

Can I visit with friends in the park if we maintain social distancing and wear masks?

Public gatherings outside your immediate household are not allowed. 

LakesWhat activities are allowed?

Boating (motor boats, canoeing, kayaking where allowed, and only by those who share a household)ParasailingWater skiingFishing (by boat and by shore)Parking in parking lots for passive recreation activity

What facilities are not open?  What activities are not allowed?

The following are closed due to state mandates related to public gatherings.Swim beachesOn-premise dining facilities or restaurants (take-out is allowed)Restrooms

Can I have people in my boat?

In line with public gathering mandates, immediate household members are allowed in one boat. 

Will marinas be able to rent boats?

Boat-rental businesses will remain closed. 

TrailsWhat activities are allowed?

Off-road and dirt trails for hiking, biking and 4x4ing (where allowed)Equestrian activitiesHang glidingRock climbing

Golf CoursesWhat activities are allowed?

GolfingTake-out dining

What activities are not allowed?

Golf tournaments and other fund-raising events

What facilities are not open? 

Clubhouses and restaurantsGymsSwimming poolsHair and nail salons and spas

How will these measures be enforced?

Operators of recreational areas, including golf courses, shall monitor activity and advise those who are not complying with safe practices to do so. If compliance cannot be achieved, facilities will be closed. If widespread noncompliance occurs, the passive recreation allowance will be rescinded countywide.

Video Health Spotlight: Symptomatic vs. Asymptomatic Transmission      

Dr. Troy Pennington, ER Physician from Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, gives us the straight talk on what we mean by “symptomatic vs. asymptomatic transmission.”     

LOS ANGELES, CA— Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Alton Sinclair, from Ontario, Calif., wets fiberglass casting material during orthopedic training aboard the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) April 7. Mercy deployed in support of the nation’s COVID-19 response efforts and will serve as a referral hospital for non-COVID-19 patients currently admitted to shore-based hospitals. This allows shore base hospitals to focus their efforts on COVID-19 cases. One of the Department of Defense’s missions is Defense Support of Civil Authorities. DoD is supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the lead federal agency, as well as state, local and public health authorities in helping protect the health and safety of the American people.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Rep. Pete Aguilar announced over $47 million in federal funding to support Inland Empire colleges and students during the coronavirus crisis. The funding, which was appropriated by the CARES Act, provides $26,243,781 for California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), $6,732,563 for San Bernardino Valley Community College, $3,388,020 for University of Redlands, and $11,446,484 for Chaffey College. The CARES Act requires that the at least 50 percent of all funds go toward direct relief for students in the form of tuition assistance, financial aid, meal programs and other student services.

“The Inland Empire’s students, colleges and universities have always been points of pride in our community. This funding will help these institutions keep their doors open and continue serving students during this difficult time. It will also help students and their families navigate the financial hardships created by this crisis. I was proud to help pass the CARES Act to provide these resources to our community, and I’ll continue to advocate for the Inland Empire as Congress debates next steps,” said Rep. Aguilar.

“This is wonderful news that will offer a welcome relief to our students and their families in the face of the threat of the coronavirus,” said CSUSB President Tomás Morales. “The funding will help our students live and pay for their essential needs, while keeping them attending CSUSB, as they deal with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am grateful for their support.”

“Our students will be our future scientists, doctors, nurses, and first responders, and they’re at home right now, eager to learn and fulfill their potential,” says San Bernardino Community College District Board of Trustees Chair, Dr. Anne Viricel. “We applaud the urgent action and bipartisan leadership of Congressman Aguilar, and our Inland Empire delegation, in passing the CARES Act to protect the well-being and future of our students, our families, and our communities,” said Dr. Anne Viricel, Chair of the SBCCD Board of Trustees.

“While the full extent of the financial disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic is still unknown, passage of the CARES Act is an important step in sustaining the capacity of our nation’s colleges and universities to provide higher education,” stated University of Redlands President Ralph W. Kuncl. “This critical funding will allow us to respond to the unprecedented financial and operational challenges of the pandemic, as we work to continue meeting the needs of our students, who represent the country’s future workforce.”

“Nearly 70 percent of our students receive financial assistance as they pursue their academic goals at Chaffey College. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our students greatly as many have lost their jobs and are struggling to make ends meet for themselves and their families. The college is still determining a methodology for funding allocation, however, we believe the funding should be distributed to our students most in need, particularly in the areas of technology and basic needs. The college’s Panther Care Program, which is designed to help our students who are food and housing insecure, will have an integral role in helping us determine the best way to distribute this funding,” said Dr. Henry Shannon, Superintendent and President of Chaffey College.

Rep. Aguilar serves as a Chief Deputy Whip in the House Democratic Caucus and as Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, the committee responsible for allocating federal funds.

REDLANDS, CA—- As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, many Redlands senior citizens continue to need assistance.

The Redlands Community Senior Center and Family Services are currently distributing 120 meal packages to seniors every Wednesday at the center.

But the needs of low-income seniors and those at high risk, unable to leave their homes, is growing.

To assist, the City of Redlands Senior Services Division has teamed with the Redlands Community Foundation to establish a “Meals for Seniors Fund.”

Donations to the fund are used to provide a Meals on Wheels service with Senior Services Division employees and volunteers delivering lunch and providing a daily welfare check-in Monday through Friday. Every $30 donation provides meals for one senior citizen for a week. A separate supplemental package including food and sanitation supplies is also available for pickup at the senior center.

Donations to the Meals for Seniors fund may be made online at:

https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/meals-for-seniors1/redlandscommunityfou.

Donations may also be made payable to the Redlands Community Foundation and mailed to:   PO Box 8908, Redlands, CA 92375.

Contact your tax professional to determine if your donation is tax deductible.

By Donnell Williams and Antoine M. Thompson

Two weeks ago, Congress passed phase three of its COVID-19 response, the CARES ACT, a $2 trillion stimulus package that has become most well-known for its direct payments of up to $1,200 for many Americans. These payments are a much-appreciated addition to the already enacted policies like the delayed tax deadline, deferred interest on student loan payments, updated paid sick leave policies, and other actions taken to ease the impact the pandemic is causing.

One of the policies that the media has largely neglected to cover is the impact of widespread forbearance – the term for when a mortgage servicer allows homeowners to temporarily pay at a lower rate or pause payments. During the current crisis, forbearance will serve as a significant relief for many middle and low-income families. The typical mortgage can add up to nearly 30 percent of the average American family’s income, and with many individuals temporarily out of work and impacted by COVID-19, forbearance allows those funds to be reallocated to immediate life-sustaining expenses like meals and medications.

Home ownership has long been a quintessential element of the American Dream. It is more than a place to live. It is a tangible path to the middle class – and arguably the greatest investment an individual can make. Furthermore, expanding access to home ownership is key to closing the gap between socioeconomic classes, providing new economic opportunities for families, and laying the foundation for success for aspiring homeowners.

However, an often unknown part of forbearance is that although homeowners around the country are receiving much needed relief, lenders and servicers are still obligated to pay principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, on the homeowner’s behalf. Given the nature of their business, this is potentially fatal for non-bank lenders.

Non-depository mortgage servicers have limited liquidity access. And depending on the duration of the crisis at hand, non-bank servicers will not have the liquidity to advance mortgage payments at the high rate that will be necessary. This presents a challenge, considering more than half of all mortgages in recent years came from non-depository lending institutions-including larger parts of loans made to low-income families. If a solution for non-bank mortgage lenders is not found, we could backtrack on nearly a decade of housing gains and relief efforts, and require further government intervention to prevent a mortgage crisis that could mirror the events of 2008.

Now that the CARES ACT has been signed into law, it is important that regulators take the opportunity to clarify forbearance policy to not only provide needed economic relief to impacted homeowners, but also lay out guidelines for mortgage lenders to navigate this unprecedented challenge.

Unfortunately, policymakers failed to provide lenders and servicers with access to the necessary liquidity in the CARES ACT and puts the issue in the hands of regulators. Hours after Congress’ omission of liquidity to non-depository servicers, Ginnie Mae announced plans to provide liquidity in the market for servicers within the next two weeks. While this is a step in the right direction, regulators must provide additional guidance to protect lower-income Americans and allow servicers to prepare for the coming months.

Servicers open the door for homeownership for many American families. These institutions play a key role in market diversification and provide new opportunities for a diverse group of borrowers.  It is essential that regulators and Congress work to ensure that non-bank lenders and servicers receive the necessary protections and have access to needed liquidity, allowing them to continue the important role they play in helping families realize the dream of homeownership.

Donnell Williams is president and Antoine M. Thompson is national executive director of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB).